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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate16 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter on Federalism in Class 10 Political Science textbook discusses the division of power between different levels of government in a federal structure, using India as a primary case study. It covers the concepts of Union, State, and Concurrent Lists as defined by the Indian Constitution and how these facilitate the sharing of legislative powers. The chapter also details how federalism is practiced in India, exploring the creation of linguistic states, the flexibility of the language policy, and the efforts towards decentralization through local governments. It ends by highlighting the challenges and successes of federal governance and the role of judiciary in maintaining the federal balance.
Key Topics
- •Definition and features of federalism
- •Division of powers: Union, State, and Concurrent Lists
- •Linguistic states and their impact
- •Language policy in Indian federalism
- •Decentralization and local governance
- •Centre-State relations and politics
- •Role of judiciary in federalism
- •Financial autonomy of government tiers
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the concept of federalism and its global context.
- ✓Describe the division of powers between various levels of government in India.
- ✓Analyze the role of linguistic and cultural factors in the Indian federation.
- ✓Explain the significance of decentralization and local self-government.
- ✓Evaluate the impact of political dynamics on federal relations.
- ✓Discuss the judiciary's role in maintaining federal balance.
Questions in Chapter
Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India: Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
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Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
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Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
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What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
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State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
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Fill in the blanks: Since the United States is a ___________________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ______________ vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a _____________________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ____________ government has more powers.
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Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
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The distinguishing feature of a federal government is: (a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments. (b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. (c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government. (d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
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A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain the concept of federalism with two examples of countries other than India.
mediumAnswer: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Examples include the United States, where states have defined powers separate from the federal government, and Germany, which also operates under a federal system with distinct Land governments.
Discuss the advantages of creating linguistic states in India.
mediumAnswer: The creation of linguistic states has helped in preserving local languages and cultures, promoted efficient administration by aligning state boundaries with linguistic lines, and strengthened national unity by addressing regional aspirations.
How does the financial autonomy of different government levels strengthen federalism in India?
mediumAnswer: Financial autonomy enables state and local governments to generate their funds through taxes and control spending according to local priorities, thus strengthening their ability to function independently and cater to regional needs.
How has the amendment in 1992 to the Indian Constitution impacted local governance?
easyAnswer: The 1992 amendment made it mandatory for states to conduct regular local government elections, reserved seats for marginalized communities and women, and empowered local bodies with the authority to manage local affairs, thereby deepening democratic processes and representation.
Analyze how coalition governments have affected federal relations in India.
hardAnswer: Coalition governments have led to power-sharing arrangements that respect the autonomy of states and regional parties. This has resulted in greater state participation in national governance and balanced center-state relations.